Thunder NBA Draft prospect series: Sindarius Thornwell

The star of the NCAA Tournament, Sindarius Thornwell, is set to be a late second round pick. Is he worth the OKC Thunder trading back in the draft?

It’s very rare for a projected second round pick to be ready to contribute in the NBA immediately, but that’s exactly the case with Sindarius Thornwell. The South Carolina product is an all-around ball player with an unrivaled work ethic; he’ll never be a star yet he’ll always have a place in the league.

Specifics

Height: 6’5

Weight: 214 Ibs

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 22

College: South Carolina

Statline: 21.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 steals, 1 block

Current rankings

Please note that rankings are the most up-to-date at the time of writing this. They are subject to change at any moment and for any reason.

Draft Express: 57th overall prospect

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 45th overall prospect

CBS Sports: 42nd overall prospect

Skills

Sindarius Thornwell has the size, skills and mentality to have a long career as a top-notch role player in the NBA. Standing at 6’5 with a 6’10 wingspan Thornwell can guard any position from point guard to small forward, as well as the strength to take on a power forward in a pinch. He averaged over 2 steals and 1 block a game his senior season, a big reason why he was ultimately named the SEC Player of the Year.

On offense Thornwell refined his game throughout his college career; we have concrete proof that the 22-year old wants to continually improve his game. A career 34% three-point shooter, Thornwell shot over 39% on nearly 5 attempts a game. Although he scored well over 20 points a game he doesn’t project to be a big-time scorer in the NBA however.

Weaknesses

Thornwell’s upside is limited because of the two A’s: age and athleticism. At 22 he is one of the older player’s in the Draft and his 30-inch vertical is one of the lower totals for any guard. Because defense is one of his calling cards the lack of elite athleticism does worry some teams.

On offense Thornwell won’t be able to create his shot like in college since opponents will be his size and strength. Although Thornwell is a grinder in the purest sense of the word it will be difficult for him to immediately excel on the offensive end.

Honors and awards

SEC Player of the Year (2017)

First Team All-American (2017)

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East Region Most Outstanding Player (2017)

The fit

Thornwell would be an interesting piece for the Thunder. Oklahoma City lacks two-way perimeter players, and because of his age he is ready to contribute immediately – think Malcolm Brogdon, the Bucks second round pick last year.

The only problem is the Thunder currently don’t have a second round selection. Picking Thornwell at #21 would be an extreme reach, something Sam Presti can’t do for a projected role player. That’s where the Bulls 2018 second rounder could come into play.

Don’t expect Sindarius Thornwell and the Oklahoma City Thunder to be connected by the end of June 22nd. At the same time don’t be surprised if they are.